International markets maintain appeal for mid-market firms
Independent mid-market regional businesses plan to ramp up domestic investment this year and there is a growing appetite for overseas expansion among private equity-backed firms despite the tense international situation, according to BDO. John Gethen, M&A director at BDO in East Anglia, said: “There’s no doubt that geopolitical uncertainty has made regional businesses take a step back and reassess where investment is being channelled over the coming months. However, what’s clear from our economic engine data is that the appeal of international markets remains strong, particularly amongst private equity-backed businesses. They’re intent on making the most of new growth opportunities, whether that’s by tapping into a larger customer base, unlocking new revenue streams, or by diversifying their market presence in overseas territories.” Almost two thirds of PE-backed businesses (64 per cent) are looking to enter new international markets, seeing it as the biggest growth opportunity the next six months, according to BDO’s survey of 500 mid-market businesses with turnovers in the £10-500 million bracket. North America, Asia-Pacific and the EU are among the target areas. The survey showed that whilst 59 per cent of PE-backed businesses also have plans to increase UK investment, some 95pc of independently-owned and run businesses plan to increase domestic investment in areas such as people, technology, cap-ex and acquisitions over the next year. ONS figures showed that international trade remains resilient, rising by almost seven per cent to £2bn in January and with businesses in the East of England exporting more than £65bn of goods and services.
Cambridge-based scientific instruments distributor acquired by European group
BlueScientific, a Cambridge-based distributor of scientific instruments, has been acquired by Aptco Group, a European tech group operating in the sector. Over the last 13 years, BlueScientific has built a reputation across the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands and the Nordics through its technical expertise, application knowledge and partnerships with suppliers in the sector. Based at St John’s Innovation Centre, the company is a distributor of scientific imaging, microscopy and materials analysis instruments. Joining Belgium-based Aptco Group – which specialises in laboratory instrumentation and scientific solutions – will give it access to a broader European footprint, expanded operational, technical and service capabilities. Tom Warwick, founder & director of BlueScientific – who with Stephen Badger will continue to lead the business – said: “What makes this partnership especially exciting is the strong cultural fit – from our entrepreneurial mindset to our commitment to technical expertise and long-term partnerships.” The combined group will employ more than 200. Alfa Corporate Finance advised BlueScientific on the sale from initial strategic options review through buyer selection, negotiation and completion and partnered with Affinia’s corporate finance team on the deal.
Lake Falconer, partner at Alfa Corporate Finance, said: “It’s great to see such a good outcome for all parties. The businesses are a great fit – truly complementary in their culture, product ranges and geographies.”
Firms still hopeful of raising output despite slide in business confidence
Business confidence in the East of England fell 14 points during April to 43 per cent as concerns grew about rising inflation and global uncertainty, according to a business barometer survey from Lloyds. Firms’ confidence in their own trading outlook in the East was down 10 points at 51pc and optimism in the economy, dropped by 19 points to 34pc. Amanda Murphy, CEO for Lloyds business and commercial banking said: “Businesses told us their confidence fell as inflation pressures re-emerged, global uncertainty persisted and costs remained elevated. While sentiment declined, it remained above the long-term average, with nearly two-thirds expecting stronger output in the coming year.” She added: “UK businesses are resilient and adept at deploying strategies to defend growth in uncertain conditions. Over the past month, we’ve seen them opt for flexibility wherever possible. They’re building contingency into their short and medium-term plans, rather than expecting a rapid return to normal. Protecting margins has become more important. That means tougher cost scrutiny and a greater focus on balancing growth with profitability.”
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Agency jointly wins deals award after logistics letting
Penn Commercial has been named joint winner of CoStar’s Q1 2026 ‘Quarterly Deals Award’ in the East of England after letting major warehouse/logistics space at Ipswich’s Access @ Eastern Gateway. Unit 5, which covers some 44,022 sq ft of space on the site, was let to Cargo Move for developer Hillwood UK. One final unit of 52,491 sq ft remains on the site, which is close to the A14.
Separately, Penn Commercial has let a grade II-listed premises on Ipswich’s main retail pitch to a new independent speciality business, Colchester-based Crema Coffee Shop. The site at 33 Westgate Street, on what was the former Monsoon fashion store, has been let on a ten-year lease and will be the company’s first outlet in Suffolk.
Cambridge pharma investment to be restarted
AstraZeneca is to restart a £200 million investment in Cambridge after the government struck a new pharmaceutical arrangement with the US. The company, which paused the scheme last year, will now finish the construction of the Rosalind Franklin building at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. In all, it will now invest £300m into UK drugs development in what the prime minister described as a “major vote of confidence” in the country.
Suffolk-based flavourings group acquired
Bury St Edmunds-based flavourings group Treatt has been acquired by a German company Döhler Group SE, a major shareholder in the Suffolk company, for around £183 million. Dohler produces natural ingredients and systems for the food, beverage and life science sectors and has worked with Treatt for some years as a strategic supplier and customer. The deal values Treatt’s shares at 305p – a 45 per cent premium on their previous level – although they had traded at over 500p in the past 18 months.
£2.3 million housing development to include ‘car club’ for residents
Plans have been approved for housebuilder Bellway to go ahead with 233 new homes in a £2.3 million development in Saffron Walden, near Stansted in north west Essex. Uttlesford District Council has approved the plans which involve two children’s play areas, 89 affordable homes and funds for education, bus services, healthcare, local libraries and almost £132,000 to set up a car club for residents. More than half of the site will be green open space, available for wider community use.
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